Vehicle skeleton structure

ABSTRACT

A vehicle skeleton structure includes: a support surface portion that configures a part of a vehicle body, the support surface portion being disposed further toward a vehicle lower side than a design surface of a roof portion of the vehicle body, and the support surface portion being configured to support a communication device from a vehicle lower side of the communication device; and a roof reinforcement that is disposed at a vehicle lower side of the support surface portion, the roof reinforcement configuring at least a part of a closed cross-sectional structure extending in a vehicle width direction and having a closed cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-202039 filed on Dec. 13, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle skeleton structure.

Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2003-309409 discloses a mounting structure of an embedded antenna for a vehicle. In the mounting structure of the embedded antenna for a vehicle, a concave portion is formed in a roof portion or the like of a vehicle body, and the antenna (communication device) is stored in the concave portion.

However, it is considered that simply forming the concave portion in the roof portion of the vehicle body results in insufficient rigidity of the vehicle body against rollover or the like of the vehicle. Namely, in the related art described above, there is room for improvement in terms of ensuring the rigidity of the vehicle body against rollover or the like, while ensuring space for storing communication devices in the vehicle body.

SUMMARY

In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle skeleton structure capable of ensuring the rigidity of a vehicle body against rollover or the like, while ensuring space for disposing communication devices in the vehicle body.

A vehicle skeleton structure according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a support surface portion that configures a part of a vehicle body, that is disposed further toward a vehicle lower side than a design surface of a roof portion of the vehicle body, and that is configured to support a communication device from a vehicle lower side of the communication device; and a roof reinforcement that is disposed at a vehicle lower side of the support surface portion, and that configures at least a part of a closed cross-sectional structure extending in a vehicle width direction and having a closed cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction.

In the first aspect of the present disclosure, a part of the vehicle body is configured by the support surface portion, and the support surface portion is disposed further toward the vehicle lower side than the design surface of the roof portion of the vehicle body. Further, the support surface portion supports the communication device from the vehicle lower side of the communication device. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the communication device can be disposed further toward the vehicle lower side than the design surface of the roof portion of the vehicle body.

On the other hand, the roof reinforcement is disposed at the vehicle lower side of the support surface portion, and the roof reinforcement configures at least a part of the closed cross-sectional structure that extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the closed cross-sectional structure including the roof reinforcement enables the roof portion of the vehicle body to be reinforced against loads caused by rollover or the like.

A vehicle skeleton structure according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle skeleton structure according to the first aspect and further includes: a resin roof panel that configures a part of the design surface, and that covers a vehicle upper side and a vehicle rear side of the communication device.

In the second aspect of the present disclosure, a part of the design surface of the roof portion is configured by the resin roof panel, and the vehicle upper side and the vehicle rear side of the communication device are covered by the resin roof panel. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the communication device can be hidden by the resin roof panel while enabling the communication device to transmit and receive radio waves at the vehicle upper side and the vehicle rear side of the communication device.

A vehicle skeleton structure according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle skeleton structure according to the second aspect, wherein: the resin roof panel is attached to the vehicle body by a locking portion, which is detachable with respect to a locked portion that is provided at the vehicle body, being locked to the locked portion from a vehicle upper side.

In the third aspect of the present disclosure, the locked portion is provided at the vehicle body, and the resin roof panel is attached to the vehicle body by the locking portion being locked to the locked portion. Moreover, the locking portion is detachable from the locked portion, and in the present disclosure, the resin roof panel is detachable from the vehicle body.

A vehicle skeleton structure according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle skeleton structure according to the first aspect, wherein: the communication device includes an outer shell that includes a resin case; and an upper surface of the resin case configures a part of the design surface.

In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the outer shell of the communication device is configured by a resin case, and the communication device is capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves by allowing radio waves to be transmitted through the resin case. Moreover, the upper surface of the resin case configures a part of the design surface of the roof portion, enabling the designability of the roof portion to be ensured without separately disposing members that cover the communication device.

A vehicle skeleton structure according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle skeleton structure according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein: the roof portion includes a metal roof panel main body that is disposed between a pair of roof side rails extending in a vehicle front-rear direction and disposed with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction; and the support surface portion is provided integrally with the roof panel main body.

In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the roof portion includes a pair of roof side rails that extend in the vehicle front-rear direction and are disposed with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction, and a roof panel main body that is metal and is disposed between the roof side rails. Further, the support surface portion is provided integrally with the roof panel main body. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the roof panel main body and the support surface portion can be formed as an integral component by press working or the like.

A vehicle skeleton structure according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle skeleton structure according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein: the roof portion includes a metal roof panel main body that is disposed between a pair of roof side rails extending in a vehicle front-rear direction and disposed with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction; and the support surface portion is metal and an edge portion at a vehicle front side of the support surface portion is joined to an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the roof panel main body.

In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the roof portion includes a pair of roof side rails that extend in the vehicle front-rear direction and are disposed with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction, and a roof panel main body that is metal and is disposed between the roof side rails. Further, the support surface portion is metal, and an edge portion at the vehicle front side of the support surface portion is joined to an edge portion at the vehicle rear side of the roof panel main body. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the roof panel main body and the support surface portion can be formed as separate components by press working or the like.

As described above, the vehicle skeleton structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure has an effect of enabling the rigidity of the vehicle body against rollover or the like to be ensured while ensuring space for disposing a communication device in the vehicle body.

The vehicle skeleton structure according to the second aspect of the present disclosure has an effect of enabling communication by a communication device to be performed smoothly and ensuring the designability of the vehicle.

The vehicle skeleton structure according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an effect of enabling operation efficiency of maintenance work performed on the communication device to be improved.

The vehicle skeleton structure according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an effect of enabling efficiency of vehicle assembly work to be improved while ensuring the designability of the appearance of the vehicle.

The vehicle skeleton structure according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure has an effect of enabling the manufacturing process of a vehicle body to be simplified.

The vehicle skeleton structure according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure has an effect of enabling yield to be improved in a manufacturing process of a vehicle body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the main parts of a vehicle body to which a vehicle skeleton structure according to a first exemplary embodiment is applied (a cross-sectional view illustrating a state taken along line 1-1 in FIG. 3 );

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a configuration of the main parts of a vehicle body to which a vehicle skeleton structure according to the first exemplary embodiment is applied (as viewed from the direction arrow 2 in FIG. 3 );

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a vehicle body to which a vehicle skeleton structure according to the first exemplary embodiment is applied, as viewed from a rear left side of the vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a vehicle body to which a vehicle skeleton structure according to a second exemplary embodiment is applied, as viewed from a front left side of the vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the main parts of a vehicle body to which a vehicle skeleton structure according to the second exemplary embodiment is applied (a cross-sectional view illustrating a state taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4 ); and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the main parts of a vehicle body to which a vehicle skeleton structure according to a third exemplary embodiment is applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding the first exemplary embodiment of the vehicle skeleton structure according to the present disclosure, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 . Note that the arrow FR appropriately illustrated in each drawing indicates a vehicle front side of a vehicle 10 to which the vehicle skeleton structure according to the present exemplary embodiment is applied, the arrow UP indicates a vehicle upper side of the vehicle 10, and the arrow LH indicates a left side of the vehicle 10 in a vehicle width direction.

First, explanation follows regarding a schematic configuration of a vehicle body 12 configuring a main portion of a vehicle cabin of the vehicle 10, with reference to FIG. 3 . The vehicle body 12 includes, at outer sides in the vehicle width direction, a left and right pair of front pillars 14 (see FIG. 4 ), a left and right pair of center pillars 16 (see FIG. 4 ), and a left and right pair of rear pillars 18. The upper end portions of the front pillars 14, the center pillars 16, and the rear pillars 18 are connected by a pair of roof side rails 22 that configure a part of a roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12. Note that the vehicle body 12 is configured symmetrically with respect to a center line CL (see FIG. 2 ) that extends in a vehicle front-rear direction.

The roof side rails 22 are disposed with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction, extend in the vehicle front-rear direction, and each include an outer panel that configures a vehicle width direction outer portion, and an inner panel that configures a vehicle width direction inner portion. Each roof side rail 22 is a closed cross-sectional structure in which a cross section as viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction is a closed cross section by the outer panel and the inner panel joining together at a non-illustrated joining portion formed by spot welding or the like.

A roof panel 24 extends between the roof side rails 22, and as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the roof panel 24 is formed by press working a steel plate, and includes a roof panel main body 24A that configures a main portion of the roof panel 24, a front vertical wall portion 24B, a lower wall portion 24C, a rear vertical wall portion 24D, and an extension wall portion 24E.

More specifically, a thickness of the roof panel main body 24A extends in a vehicle vertical direction and the roof panel main body 24A extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction, with an upper surface of the roof panel main body 24A configuring a part of a design surface 20A at a vehicle upper side of the roof portion 20.

The front vertical wall portion 24B extends from an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the roof panel main body 24A toward a vehicle lower side with a plate thickness of the front vertical wall portion 24B extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the lower wall portion 24C extends, from an edge portion at a vehicle lower side of the front vertical wall portion 24B, toward the vehicle rear side with a plate thickness of the lower wall portion 24C extending in the vehicle vertical direction.

The lower wall portion 24C extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and in the vehicle width direction, and is disposed further toward the vehicle lower side than the design surface 20A. A vehicle front side portion of the lower wall portion 24C supports an antenna unit 26 and an antenna unit 28, which serve as a communication device described below, from the vehicle lower side, and a resin roof panel 64, described below, is attached to a vehicle rear side portion of the lower wall portion 24C. That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, the vehicle front side portion of the lower wall portion 24C serves as a supporting surface portion.

The rear vertical wall portion 24D extends from an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the lower wall portion 24C toward the vehicle lower side with a plate thickness of the rear vertical wall portion 24D extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the extension wall portion 24E extends, from an edge portion at a vehicle lower side of the rear vertical wall portion 24D, toward the vehicle rear side with a plate thickness of the extension wall portion 24E extending in the vehicle vertical direction. Note that a vehicle rear side portion of the extension wall portion 24E extends toward the vehicle upper side, and a non-illustrated weather strip is attached to this portion. The weather strip is disposed along an upper edge portion 32A (see FIG. 3 ) of the back door opening portion 32.

Note that the present exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the lower wall portion 24C of the roof panel 24 is reinforced with a rear header reinforcement 34 serving as a roof reinforcement disposed at a vehicle lower side of the lower wall portion 24C. The configuration of the rear header reinforcement 34 and portions peripheral to the rear header reinforcement 34 will be described in detail below.

The rear header reinforcement 34 extends in the vehicle width direction, and connects the pair of roof side rails 22 in the vehicle width direction. The rear header reinforcement 34 includes a front lower wall portion 34A, a front inclined wall portion 34B, a front extension wall portion 34C, a rear inclined wall portion 34D, a center extension wall portion 34E, a rear vertical wall portion 34F, a rear lower wall portion 34G, and a rear extension wall portion 34H. Note that the rear header reinforcement 34 is formed by press working a steel plate.

The front lower wall portion 34A configures a vehicle front side portion of the rear header reinforcement 34, a plate thickness of the front lower wall portion 34A extending in the vehicle vertical direction, and the front lower wall portion 34A being rectangular in shape wherein a longitudinal direction thereof is in the vehicle width direction as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction. The front lower wall portion 34A is disposed such that a majority of the front lower wall portion 34A overlaps with the lower wall portion 24C of the roof panel 24 as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

The front inclined wall portion 34B extends from an edge portion at a vehicle front side of the front lower wall portion 34A toward a vehicle front upper side, and the front extension wall portion 34C extends, from an edge portion at a vehicle front side of the front inclined wall portion 34B, toward the vehicle front side with a plate thickness of the front extension wall portion 34C extending in the vehicle vertical direction. The front extension wall portion 34C is joined to the lower wall portion 24C by a non-illustrated joining portion formed by spot welding or the like.

The rear inclined wall portion 34D extends from an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the front lower wall portion 34A toward a vehicle rear upper side, and the center extension wall portion 34E extends, from an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the rear inclined wall portion 34D, toward the vehicle rear side with a plate thickness of the center extension wall portion 34E extending in the vehicle vertical direction. Note that the center extension wall portion 34E is joined to the lower wall portion 24C by a non-illustrated joining portion formed by spot welding or the like.

The rear vertical wall portion 34F extends from an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the center extension wall portion 34E toward the vehicle lower side with a plate thickness of the rear vertical wall portion 34F extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the rear lower wall portion 34G extends, from an edge portion at a vehicle lower side of the rear vertical wall portion 34F, toward the vehicle rear side with a plate thickness of the rear lower wall portion 34G extending in the vehicle vertical direction.

The rear extension wall portion 34H extends, from an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the rear lower wall portion 34G, toward a vehicle rear lower side, and the rear extension wall portion 34H is joined to a vehicle front side portion of the extension wall portion 24E by a non-illustrated joining portion by spot welding or the like.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the roof panel 24 and the rear header reinforcement 34 are configured as described above such that the lower wall portion 24C of the roof panel 24, the front lower wall portion 34A, the front inclined wall portion 34B, and the rear inclined wall portion 34D of the rear header reinforcement 34 configure a first closed cross-sectional structure 36 serving as a closed cross-sectional structure. Further, the lower wall portion 24C and the rear vertical wall portion 24D of the roof panel 24, and the rear vertical wall portion 34F and the rear lower wall portion 34G of the rear header reinforcement 34 configure a second closed cross-sectional structure 38.

More specifically, the first closed cross-sectional structure 36 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction, and a vehicle rear side portion of the roof portion 20 is reinforced by the first closed cross-sectional structure 36. Further, a rear seat 40 is disposed at a vehicle front lower side of the first closed cross-sectional structure 36.

The second closed cross-sectional structure 38 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-sectional shape that is smaller than a cross section of the first closed cross-sectional structure 36 as viewed from the vehicle width direction, and the upper edge portion 32A of the backdoor opening portion 32 is reinforced by the second closed cross-sectional structure 38.

A ceiling member 42 is disposed at a vehicle lower side of the roof panel 24. The ceiling member 42 includes a curved portion 42A that is curved so as to be convex toward the vehicle upper side as viewed from the vehicle width direction, and a general portion 42B that extends toward the vehicle rear side from the curved portion 42A. Further, a rear end portion of the general portion 42B is locked by the weather strip that is attached to a rear end portion of the extension wall portion 24E.

Note that the rear seat 40 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the curved portion 42A as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, and a predetermined clearance is ensured between the rear seat 40 and the curved portion 42A.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the antenna unit 26 includes a case 44, which configures an outer shell thereof and which is configured of a material such as a resin that allows radio waves to be transmitted therethrough, and plural antennas 46 which are stored in the case 44 and which are capable of at least one of transmitting or receiving radio waves.

More specifically, the case 44 includes a case main body 44A that stores the antennas 46, and four leg portions 44B. The leg portions 44B are provided in pairs, one pair of leg portions 44B being provided at one side of the case main body 44A in the vehicle width direction and one pair of leg portions 44B being provided at another side of the case main body 44A in the vehicle width direction, with space between each leg portion 44B of each pair in the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, a non-illustrated penetrating portion is formed at each leg portion 44B, and a weld bolt 48 corresponding to the penetrating portion is attached to the lower wall portion 24C of the roof panel 24 in a state in which a shaft portion 48A is at the vehicle upper side.

The antenna unit 26 is fixed to the lower wall portion 24C by inserting the shaft portion 48A through the penetrating portion of the leg portion 44B from the vehicle lower side and fastening a nut 50 to the shaft portion 48A from the vehicle upper side.

The antenna unit 28 includes a case 52, which configures an outer shell thereof and which is configured of a material such as a resin that that allows radio waves to be transmitted therethrough, and plural antennas 54 which are stored in the case 52 and which are capable of at least one of transmitting or receiving radio waves.

Similarly to the case 44, the case 52 includes a case main body 52A and four leg portions 52B, and is fixed to the lower wall portion 24C via weld bolts 48 and nuts 50.

Note that examples of types of the antennas 46 and the antennas 54 include antennas for a data communication module (DCM), antennas for a global positioning system (GPS), antennas for a wireless local area network (LAN), antennas for electronic toll collection (ETC), and the like.

Further, a wire harness 56 extends from the antenna unit 26, a insertion-through portion 58 through which the wire harness 56 can be inserted is formed at the lower wall portion 24C, and a insertion-through portion 60 through which the wire harness 56 can be inserted is formed at the rear inclined wall portion 34D. The wire harness 56 extends to the inside of the vehicle cabin through the insertion-through portion 58 and the insertion-through portion 60.

A wire harness 62 extends from the antenna unit 28, and similarly to the wire harness 56, the wire harness 62 extends to the inside of the vehicle cabin through a non-illustrated insertion-through portion provided at the lower wall portion 24C and a non-illustrated insertion-through portion provided at the rear inclined wall portion 34D.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the resin roof panel 64 is disposed at a vehicle upper side of the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28. The resin roof panel 64 is configured by a resin such as polycarbonate that allows radio waves to be transmitted therethrough, and includes an upper wall portion 64A, a rear wall portion 64B, and an attachment wall portion 64C.

A plate thickness of the upper wall portion 64A extends in the vehicle vertical direction, the upper wall portion 64A is formed in a rectangular shape wherein a longitudinal direction thereof is in the vehicle width direction thereof as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, and the upper wall portion 64A covers the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 from the vehicle upper side. Note that an upper surface of the upper wall portion 64A is coated with a paint, and this upper surface configures a part of the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20.

Plural clips 66 serving as locking portions are disposed with a predetermined space therebetween in the vehicle width direction at a vehicle lower side surface at a vehicle front side end portion of the upper wall portion 64A, and the clips 66 are bonded to the upper wall portion 64A. Plural penetrating portions 68, serving as locked portions, corresponding to the clips 66 are formed at an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the roof panel main body 24A. The clips 66 are fitted into the penetrating portions 68 such that a vehicle front side portion of the resin roof panel 64 is attached to the vehicle body 12. Note that the clips 66 are detachable from the penetration portions 68 by a predetermined operation.

A plate thickness of the rear wall portion 64B extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the rear wall portion 64B extends from an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the upper wall portion 64A toward the vehicle lower side, and covers the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 from the vehicle rear side. Further, the attachment wall portion 64C extends toward the vehicle rear side from an edge portion at a vehicle lower side of the rear wall portion 64B.

The attachment wall portion 64C is disposed along an upper surface of the lower wall portion 24 C of the roof panel 24, and plural non-illustrated penetrating portions are formed at the mounting wall portion 64C with a predetermined space therebetween in the vehicle width direction. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the lower wall portion 24C and the center extension wall portion 34E are provided with plural penetrating portions 70, serving as locked portions, corresponding to the penetrating portions of the attachment wall portion 64C.

Plural clips 72 serving as locking portions are fitted into the penetrating portions of the attachment wall portion 64C and the penetrating portions 70 such that a vehicle rear side portion of the resin roof panel 64 is attached to the vehicle body 12. Note that the clips 72 are detachable from the penetration portions 70 by a predetermined operation. Further, a non-illustrated sealing member is attached to a gap between the outer periphery of the resin roof panel 64 and the vehicle body 12.

Operation and Effects of the Present Exemplary Embodiment

Next, explanation follows regarding operation and effects of the present exemplary embodiment.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , a part of the vehicle body 12 is configured by the lower wall portion 24C of the roof panel 24, and the lower wall portion 24C is disposed further toward the vehicle lower side than the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12. The lower wall portion 24C supports the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 from the vehicle lower side. As a result, in the present exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 can be disposed further toward the vehicle lower side than the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12.

The rear header reinforcement 34 is disposed at the vehicle lower side of the lower wall portion 24C, and the rear header reinforcement 34 extends in the vehicle width direction and configures a part of the first closed cross-sectional structure 36 that has a closed cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction. As a result, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first closed cross-sectional structure 36 including the rear header reinforcement 34 enables the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12 to be reinforced against loads caused by rollover or the like.

Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the rigidity of the vehicle body 12 against rollover or the like can be ensured while ensuring space for disposing the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 in the vehicle body 12.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, a part of the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20 is configured by the resin roof panel 64, and the vehicle upper side and the vehicle rear side of the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 are covered by the resin roof panel 64. As a result, in the present exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 can be hidden by the resin roof panel 64 while enabling radio waves to be transmitted and received by the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 at the vehicle upper side and the vehicle rear side. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, communication between the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 can be performed smoothly, and the designability of the vehicle 10 can be ensured.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, as also illustrated in FIG. 2 , the penetrating portions 68 and the penetrating portions 70 are provided at the vehicle body 12, and the resin roof panel 64 is attached to the vehicle body 12 by the clips 66 being locked to the penetrating portions 68 and the clips 72 being locked to the penetrating portions 70. Moreover, the clips 66 and the clips 72 are detachable from the respective penetrating portions into which they are fitted, and in the present exemplary embodiment, the resin roof panel 64 is detachable from the vehicle body 12. As a result, the operation efficiency of maintenance work performed on the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 can be improved in the present exemplary embodiment.

In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the roof portion 20 includes a pair of roof side rails 22 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction, and a metallic roof panel main body 24A disposed between the roof side rails 22. The lower wall portion 24C is provided integrally with the roof panel main body 24A. As a result, in the present exemplary embodiment, the roof panel main body 24A and the lower wall portion 24C can be formed as an integral component by press working or the like. This enables the manufacturing process of the vehicle body 12 to be simplified in the present exemplary embodiment.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Next, explanation follows regarding a vehicle skeleton structure according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 . The first feature of the present exemplary embodiment is that the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 are disposed within a concave portion 74 that is formed at a vehicle front-rear direction center portion of the roof panel 24. A second feature is that the concave portion 74 is reinforced with a center header reinforcement 76 serving as a roof reinforcement.

More specifically, the concave portion 74 extends in the vehicle width direction, and is recessed further toward the vehicle lower side than the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20. The antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 are disposed at a bottom wall portion 74A serving as a support surface portion that configures a vehicle lower side portion of the concave portion 74.

The center header reinforcement 76 extends in the vehicle width direction, and includes a front wall portion 76A that configures a vehicle front side of the center header reinforcement 76, a lower wall portion 76B that configures a vehicle lower side portion of the center header reinforcement 76, and a rear wall portion 76C that configures a vehicle rear side portion of the center header reinforcement 76. The center header reinforcement 76 is formed by press working a steel plate. The center header reinforcement 76 is U-shaped in a shape that widens toward the vehicle upper side, as viewed from the vehicle width direction.

The center header reinforcement 76 is disposed at a vehicle lower side of the concave portion 74. Moreover, by the front wall portion 76A and a front wall portion 74B that configures a vehicle front side portion of the concave portion 74, and the rear wall portion 76C and a rear wall portion 74C that configures a vehicle rear side portion of the concave portion 74 being respectively joined together by non-illustrated joining portions formed by spot welding or the like, the center header reinforcement 76 together with the concave portion 74 configures a closed cross-sectional structure 78 that extends in the vehicle width direction and that is shaped in a closed cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction.

At a vehicle upper side of the concave portion 74, a resin roof panel 80 is disposed in a rectangular shape wherein a longitudinal direction thereof is in the vehicle width direction as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, and the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 are covered by the resin roof panel 80 from the vehicle upper side. Note that an upper surface of the resin roof panel 80 is coated with a paint, and configures a part of the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20. Further, the resin roof panel 80 is attached to the roof panel 24 via the clips 66.

According to this configuration, similar effects to those of the first exemplary embodiment described above are exhibited even in a case in which the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 cannot be disposed at a vehicle rear side portion of the roof panel 24 due to the specifications and the like of the vehicle 10.

Moreover, in a case in which the antenna unit 26 and the antenna unit 28 can be disposed at the vehicle rear side portion of the roof panel 24, more space can be ensured in which communication devices can be disposed in the vehicle body 12, enabling more communication devices to be installed in the vehicle body 12.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding a vehicle skeleton structure according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to FIG. 6 . Note that the same reference numerals are allocated to the same components as those of the first exemplary embodiment described above, and explanation thereof is omitted.

Although the present exemplary embodiment has a similar configuration to the first exemplary embodiment described above, the configuration of the antenna unit and the configuration of the roof panel differ from the first exemplary embodiment.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, a resin case 92 that configures an outer shell of an antenna unit 90, which serves as a communication device, is enlarged in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle vertical direction in comparison to the case 44 and the case 52, and stores the antennas 46 and the antennas 54.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, a part of the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20 is configured by an upper surface 92A of the case 92. Note that a sealing member 94 is fitted into a gap between the outer periphery of the case 92 and the vehicle body 12.

In the present exemplary embodiment, unlike the roof panel 24, the roof panel 96 is divided into a main panel 98 serving as a roof panel main body and a rear panel 100 serving as a support surface portion.

More specifically, the main panel 98 is formed by press working a steel plate, and has a similar configuration to the roof panel main body 24A.

The rear panel 100 is formed by press working a steel plate, and includes a lower wall portion 100A, a front vertical wall portion 100B, a front extension wall portion 100C, a rear vertical wall portion 100D, and a rear extension wall portion 100E.

The lower wall portion 100A is configured similarly to the lower wall portion 24C, and supports the antenna unit 90 from the vehicle lower side. Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, the case 92 is not provided with legs, and the case 92 is attached to the lower wall portion 100A via plural clips 66 that are provided at a bottom surface of the case 92.

The front vertical wall portion 100B, which is configured similarly to the front vertical wall portion 24B, is provided at an edge portion at a vehicle front side of the lower wall portion 100A. The front extension wall portion 100C extends from an edge portion at a vehicle upper side of the front vertical wall portion 100B, and an edge portion at a vehicle front side of the front extension wall portion 100C is joined to an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the main panel 98 by a non-illustrated joining portion formed by spot welding or the like in a state in which the edge portion at the vehicle rear side of the main panel 98 is abutted from the vehicle lower side.

The rear vertical wall portion 100D is configured similarly to the rear vertical wall portion 24D, and the rear extension wall portion 100E is configured similarly to the extension wall portion 24E.

Since the present exemplary embodiment configured in this manner is configured similarly to the first exemplary embodiment described above, similar operation and effects as those of the first exemplary embodiment are exhibited.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the outer shell of the antenna unit 90 is configured by the case 92 made of resin, enabling the case 92 to allow radio waves to be transmitted therethrough and to perform transmission and reception of radio waves by the antenna unit 90. Moreover, the upper surface 92A of the case 92 configures a part of the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20, enabling the designability of the roof portion 20 to be ensured without separately disposing members that cover the antenna unit 90.

As a result, the operation efficiency of maintenance work performed on the antenna unit 90 can be improved in the present exemplary embodiment.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the roof portion 20 includes the pair of roof side rails 22 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction, and the metal main panel 98 disposed between the roof side rails 22. Further, the rear panel 100 is made of metal, and an edge portion at a vehicle front side of the rear panel 100 is joined to an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the main panel 98. As a result, in the present exemplary embodiment, the main panel 98 and the rear panel 100 can be formed as separate components by press working or the like.

This enables the yield to be improved in the manufacturing process of the vehicle body 12 in the present exemplary embodiment.

Supplementary Explanation of the Exemplary Embodiments

(1) Although the rear header reinforcement 34 and the center header reinforcement 76 are configured from steel plates in the exemplary embodiments described above, the rear header reinforcement 34 and the center header reinforcement 76 may be configured from carbon fiber reinforced resin according to the specifications and the like of the vehicle 10.

(2) Further, although the closed cross-sectional structures are configured by the roof reinforcement and the roof panel in the exemplary embodiments described above, the configuration of the roof reinforcement is not limited thereto. For example, depending on the specifications and the like of the vehicle 10, the roof reinforcement may have a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the vehicle width direction, and the closed cross-sectional structures may be configured solely by the roof reinforcement. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle skeleton structure, comprising: a support surface portion that configures a part of a vehicle body, the support surface portion being disposed further toward a vehicle lower side than a design surface of a roof portion of the vehicle body, and the support surface portion being configured to support a communication device from a vehicle lower side of the communication device; and a roof reinforcement that is disposed at a vehicle lower side of the support surface portion, the roof reinforcement configuring at least a part of a closed cross-sectional structure extending in a vehicle width direction and having a closed cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction.
 2. The vehicle skeleton structure according to claim 1, further comprising: a resin roof panel, the resin roof panel configuring a part of the design surface, and the resin roof panel covering a vehicle upper side and a vehicle rear side of the communication device.
 3. The vehicle skeleton structure according to claim 2, wherein: the resin roof panel is attached to the vehicle body by a locking portion, which is detachable with respect to a locked portion that is provided at the vehicle body, the locking portion being locked to the locked portion from a vehicle upper side.
 4. The vehicle skeleton structure according to claim 1, wherein: the communication device includes an outer shell that comprises a resin case, and an upper surface of the resin case configures a part of the design surface.
 5. The vehicle skeleton structure according to claim 1, wherein: the roof portion includes a metal roof panel main body, the metal roof panel main body being disposed between a pair of roof side rails extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, the pair of roof side rails being disposed with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction, and the support surface portion is provided integrally with the roof panel main body.
 6. The vehicle skeleton structure according to claim 1, wherein: the roof portion includes a metal roof panel main body, the metal roof main body being disposed between a pair of roof side rails extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, the pair of roof side rails being disposed with space therebetween in the vehicle width direction, and the support surface portion is metal, and an edge portion at a vehicle front side of the support surface portion is joined to an edge portion at a vehicle rear side of the roof panel main body. 